Bahrain Kerala Samajam Announces ‘Shravanam 2026’ Onam Celebrations

TDT | Manama

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The Bahrain Kerala Samajam (BKS) has unveiled an extensive lineup of cultural, artistic, and sports events for ‘Sravanam 2026’, its flagship annual Onam celebration. The festivities, which kicked off on July 31 with events like Pillayonam, kabaddi, tug-of-war, and literary sessions, are set to escalate through September and October with a diverse range of activities for the expatriate community.

Organizers shared the official schedule during a press conference attended by BKS President P.V. Radhakrishna Pillai, Vice President Devadas Kunnath, General Secretary Varghese Karakkal, Literary Wing Secretary Vinayachandran Nair, Librarian Binu Karunakaran, Sravanam 2026 General Convener Harikrishnan, Ex-officio Rajeev P. Mathew, and Ruchimela Convener Vinod Uthaman. All events are open to the public with free entry.

The grand schedule kicks off on September 4 at 4:00 PM with ‘Ruchimela’, a culinary festival showcasing traditional Kerala flavors alongside a live show led by Raj Kalesh, a musical performance by singer Anju Joseph’s band, and a flash mob. A flash mob competition follows on September 5, leading into a violin concert by Kumari Ganga Sasidharan on September 10 at 7:30 PM.

Culture takes center stage on September 11 with a Mega Thiruvathira featuring over a hundred women performers. The weekend of September 12 and 13 will host traditional competitions for payasam making, Onappudava attire, and Onappattu music. Folk music group ‘Aaravam Maram’ performs on September 16, followed by a live musical evening with National Award-winning singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi on September 17 at 7:30 PM.

On September 18 at 7:00 PM, Master Neilgreev presents the ‘Veena Riviera’ musical program alongside a Mega Charadupinnikkali performance. A Malayalam Cinema quiz takes place on September 22, followed by a musical night on September 24 at 7:30 PM featuring Merin Gregory, Deeksha Prakash, and Gokul.

One of the main highlights, the ‘Chithranjali’ concert starring legendary playback singer K.S. Chithra alongside Nishad, Anamika, and Arjun, takes place on September 25 at 6:30 PM. The morning of September 25 also hosts the Pookkalam flower carpet competition at 10:00 AM, preceding the Thiruvathira competition on September 26 and the Cinematic Dance competition on September 27.

The celebration culminates on October 2 with a massive traditional Onasadhya feast prepared under the guidance of renowned celebrity chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri.